White Blood Cell Counts

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AmyD1310
AmyD1310 Member Posts: 59
in Anal Cancer #1

Hello all,

 

I hope this message finds you all very well. I'm almost finished week 3 of treatment! Phew. I had mitomycin/5FU the first week along with radiation (M-F), and radiation (M-F) the last two weeks also. I had my blood levels checked yesterday for the 3rd time (including my initial levels pre-chemo). My white cells started at 7, and dropped to 2.2, they then dropped to 1.6 this week. My doctor said it isn't "dangerously low", but to wash my hands as much as possible and keep an eye on my temperature because a fever will be a beginning sign of infection. I am curious if anyone else had a dramatic white cell drop like this and if so, if/when did it began to rise again? I am really hoping not to have to post-pone my second round of chemo due to my low white cell count. Is there any way I can boost my white cells naturally? Thanks all! Have a nice Thursday!

 

-Amy

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  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited February 2017 #2
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    AmyD1310

    My white blood cell count got quite low during both rounds of chemo.  During my first round, my doctor ordered two injections of Neupogen for me, which did get my count back up--not to "normal," but better.  During my second round, when I hit Nadir (which is the term for the point at which blood counts hit bottom during a chemo cycle), I was quite weakened from the radiation.  This made my doctor hesitant to order more Neupogen for me, so I didn't get any the second round.  Neupogen or Neulasta are drugs frequently given to cancer patients during treatment to increase very low blood counts.  You might ask your doctor about this.  Otherwise, I know of nothing you can do naturally to stimulate white blood cell production.  Maybe someone else has information that I do not.  I hope other than this side effect, you are doing well.

  • AmyD1310
    AmyD1310 Member Posts: 59
    #3
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    Martha

    Thank you for responding. You are always so kind. I am lucky enough to say that so far, my side effects have been minimal, other than this whole white blood cell count thing. I know things may get worse before they get better, and I'm prepared for that, I just really hope not to have to delay any part of my treatment. Thank you again, for responding. I hope you are well! I will check back in next week and hopefully my wbc wil be up.

  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 493 Member
    edited February 2017 #4
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    Avoid Crowds

    During this time your immunity system wiill be down.  My doctors said to avoid public places where there are people during the treatments.

    Mike 

  • TraceyUSA
    TraceyUSA Member Posts: 316
    edited February 2017 #5
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    Amy

    My WBC count (and all other counts) dropped too.  I believe it's a normal part of treatment.  As they are trying to destroy abnormal cells, the normal ones get destroyed as well.  If I remember correctly, mine began to increase a few weeks after my last treatment.  It took at least 6 months to a year for all my counts to come into the "normal" range.  I did not take anything for this, they just naturally rebounded as I healed.  I tried to avoid anyone or anywhere I could catch a cold, flu, etc. since my immune system was compromised. 

    Best Wishes, Tracey

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    edited February 2017 #6
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    Mine dropped too

    Like others, my counts dropped too. On the second round they got so low I ended up getting septic from a urinary tract infection and was hospitalized for six days. Just be careful, stay away from germs and people who are sick, and if you start getting ill let your oncologist know right away. Their threshold for putting you in hospital is low if your counts are low. My counts came back on their own and it didn't take long, they were better by the time I got out of hospital. 

  • AmyD1310
    AmyD1310 Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2017 #7
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    Good Info

    Thanks all, for the good info. I have 3 children (6, 3 and 7 months), so I am constantly exposed to illness. Recently, my 3 year old had the flu while my 6 year battled the stomach bug.  I'm doing my best to take care of them, while trying to keep myself healthy. I get my wbc draw Tuesday and I'm hoping it's on the rise. Thanks Again!

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    edited February 2017 #8
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    Wow

    I can't imagine having three young children and going through this! I am so sorry you are in this situation. I hope you have a lot of support. Do you have a spouse, parents, friends who can help with childcare? The fatigue builds as radiation continues, and I hope you ask for lots of help! In my experience a lot of people wanted to be helpful but didn't know how and seemed relieved if I asked them to do something specific like grocery shop or give me a ride to treatment when I was on pain meds. And hopefully the older kids have friends where you can ask the mom to take them out for a fun day to give you a break and then a treat. God bless

  • AmyD1310
    AmyD1310 Member Posts: 59
    #9
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    Update

    Juat a quick update...my white blood cell count is going up! It went from 1.6 to 2.8, and it will keep rising until my second round of chemo, which does NOT have to be delayed now since my count is up! Yay, good news! I hope you are all well!

    -Amy

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #10
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    Great news

    That is great news! You're almost done with week 4!

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited February 2017 #11
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    Amy

    Wonderful news!  Keep moving forward and you'll soon be crossing the finish line!

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